The purpose of this manual is to assist owners and operators
in maintaining and operating the catcher for the 3500/3700
tractors and decks. Please read it carefully; information and
instructions furnished can help you achieve years of
dependable performance.
Using this manual
General operation, adjustment and maintenance guidance is
outlined for both the experienced and novice Hustler user.
Operating conditions vary considerably and cannot all be
addressed individually. Through experience, however,
operators should find no difficulty in developing good
operating skills suitable to most conditions.
Directions used in this manual, for example RIGHT or
LEFT, refer to directions when seated on tractor facing
forward, unless otherwise stated.
Photographs and illustrations used were current at the time
of printing, but subsequent production changes may cause
your machine to vary slightly in detail. Hustler Turf
Equipment reserves the right to redesign and change the
machine as deemed necessary, without notification. If a
change has been made to your machine which is not reflected
in this owner’s manual, or the parts manual, see your Hustler
dealer for current information and parts.
Warranty registration
The Delivery and Warranty Registration form must be
completed and signed to validate your warranty protection.
As the new equipment owner, you are expected to see that the
card is completed and forwarded to Hustler Turf Equipment at
time of delivery.
Be sure to register the tractor plus each attachment that
displays a model and serial identification number plate with
Hustler Turf Equipment.
IMPORTANT: Any unauthorized modification, altera-
tion, or use of non-approved attachments voids the warranty
and releases Hustler Turf Equipment from any liability arising
from subsequent use of this equipment.
Parts and service
Use original Hustler replacement parts only. These parts
are available through your local Hustler dealer. To obtain
prompt, efficient service, always provide the following
information when ordering parts:
1. Correct part description and number, as given in the
parts manual supplied with your owner’s packet.
2. Correct model number.
All warranty repair and service must be handled through an
authorized Hustler dealer. Arrangements should be made
through your local service center.
111782_09101-1
1-2111782_0910
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
This safety alert symbol is used to call attention to a
message intended to provide a reasonable degree of
PERSONAL SAFETY for operators and other persons
during the normal operation and servicing of this equipment.
DANGER – Denotes immediate hazards which WILL
result in severe personal injury or death.
WARNING – denotes a potential hazard or unsafe practice
which COULD result in severe personal injury or death.
All operators should read this manual and be instructed
about safe operating and maintenance procedures. This is the
owner’s responsibility.
Incorrect usage of this machine may result in severe
injury. It is the owner’s responsibility that all operators
read this manual thoroughly and be properly trained in
operation and maintenance before attempting to set-up,
adjust, or service this machine. This owner’s manual
contains many safety precautions that must be followed to
avoid injury.
V Park the machine on level ground. Place park brake
lever in the brake engaged position, place the PTO
lever in the “OFF” position, lower the attachment, shut
off engine and remove ignition key before leaving
operator’s seat for any reason including unclogging the
chute.
V Always be aware of any obstructions, especially small
children, when backing or when unloading the catcher.
V Always keep safety shields and covers in place while
operating machine.
V Stop the engine before removing any part of the grass
catcher or unclogging the discharge chute. Never clear
teh discharge chute with the engine running. Turn off
the engine and be sure the blades have stopped before
cleaning. Use a stick to clear a plugged discharge area.
Never use your hands!
V Grass collection system components are subject to
wear, damage, and deterioration, which could expose
moving parts or allow objects to be thrown. Frequently
check components and replace with manufacturer’s
recommended parts, as necessary.
V Never work on blower assembly or mower deck when
the tractor engine is running.
V Never operate machine with catcher in the dump
position.
V Never attempt high speed maneuvering in crowded or
congested areas.
V Always operate with complete catcher system or side
discharge chute in place.
Whirling blades! Keep hands
and feet away.
Beware of thrown objects.
Stop tractor engine, remove ignition key.
Engage park brake.
Use a probe to clean debris from
spout.
Never engage mower deck
unless hose is clamped in place
on blower outlet.
Never operate the mower deck
with the deflector removed or in
a raised position, except when
the grass catching att achment is
being used.
111782_09102-1
2-2111782_0910
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTION
These instructions apply to the assembly of the Hustler
Catcher to a Hustler 3500/3700 tractor equipped with a 60” or
72” side discharge deck.
It is intended that these units be installed by trained Hustler
service personnel. If additional assistance is required, contact
the Hustler Customer Service Department.
Directions given in these instructions, for example left and
right, refer to direction while seated on the tractor.
Before proceeding, read thru the following instructions to
familiarize yourself, while at the same time identify and
inventory kit parts supplied.
Unpack and inspect all parts. Notify carrier of any shipping
damages immediately.
35056077CS .250-20 X 1.00 HX G5 ZN1
36068551NT .250-20 HX NL ZN1
37768523FW .343X.687X.051/080 HD ZN/YL8
38064014CS .312-18 X .875 HS G5 ZN2
39064006CS .312-18 X .625 HX G5 ZN4
40058776NT .312-18 HX NL ZN2
41760306FLEXIBLE TRANSFER TUBE1
42022608HOSE CLAMP2
43544501BLOWER ASSEMBLY1
Mower deck preparation
1. Park the tractor on a flat surface and place the park brake
lever in the brake engaged position, place the PTO lever
in the “OFF” position and lower the attachment. Shut off
the ignition switch and remove the key from the switch.
Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Remove the right side pulley cover, discharge chute and
discharge chute bracket.
NOTE: Retain these parts as they will be re-installed
when the catcher is removed.
3. Release the deck belt tension. Remove the existing
spindle bolt and pulley from the right side blade spindle.
Replace the pulley with the double pulley and place the
existing cup washer between the head of the new bolt and
the drive pulley. Torque the bolt into the pulley before
threading the bolt into the spindle shaft. Torque top
spindle bolt to 118 ft.-lbs. Thread the pulley, cup washer
and bolt assembly into the right hand spindle shaft.
Torque bol t to 118 ft.-lbs. Figure 3-1
NOTE: There are two double pul leys shipped with this
catcher. Two different deck gearboxes have been used on
these decks.
Decks built prior to serial number 09080000 – The
gearbox is painted black and the pulley is held onto the
drive shaft with set screws. Use pulley, 602244, on these
decks.
Decks built with serial number 09080000 and later –
The gearbox on these decks is painted gray. The pulley is
held onto the drive shaft with a cap screw. Use pulley,
524785, on these decks.
CE Decks regardless of serial number – The gearbox is
painted black and the pulley is held onto the drive shaft
with set screws. Use pulley, 602244, on these decks.
4. Attach the blower mount to the top of the deck. Figure 3-
1
5. Attach the blower assembly to the deck mount. Figure 3-
6. Re-adjust the blower pivot mount, if necessary, to
1
minimize the gap between the deck opening and blower
housing. Tighten all hardware.
7. Install and route the blower belt to the deck. Tension the
belt using the chain and spring. Pull the chain until the
spring extension is 6” hook to hook. Figure 3-2 & Figure
3-3
8. Re-tension the deck drive belt.
9. Attach the pulley cover.
10. Swing the housing so that it is tight against the deck and
insert the clevis pin and hair pin thru the latch..
Figure 3-1
WARNING: Do not operate deck without discharge
chute or complete catcher system in place.
Tractor Preparation
WARNING: Allow engine and muffler to cool before
assembling the unit to the tractor.
Figure 3-2
1. Position the rear support frame and the weights (centered
side to side) to the rear of the tractor . Make sure the upper
holes in the rear support frame are positioned as shown.
Attach with the hardware shown. Figure 3-10
NOTE: It is recommended that 3 people assist when
attaching the box assembly to the rear support frame.
2. Locate the box assembly onto the rear support frame and
attach to the rear support frame with the hardware shown.
Figure 3-10
3-2111782_0910
Figure 3-3
Chain
Remove these nuts
and flat washers
Bungee
strap
109716
Blower
housing
tube
Lower
tube
Tube assembly
3. Locate the frame support brace onto the tractor’s ROPS
with the short end of the bend facing upwards and to the
rear of the tractor. Figure 3-11
Raise the support brace until the pins from the box
support frame rest inside the notches in the support brace.
Secure in place using the hardware shown. Tighten all
nuts and bolts.
4. Test to make sure the dump mechanism is working
properly. Pull the lift handle towards the operator’s seat
and lift upward. The container’s door should open and the
box should pivot towards the ground. If the dump
mechanism needs adjusted, refer to the Adjusting dumpmechanism section found elsewhere in this manual for
detailed information.
5. Attach the bungee cord, located on the lower tube, to the
blower tube hook. Figure 3-4
6. Reconnect the negative battery cable. NOTE: Refer to
the Accessing the engine compartment section, found
elsewhere in this manual, for detailed information.
Figure 3-4
Catcher Box Preparation
1. Install the box plate support, chute support, thick guide
spacer, thin guide spacer and chute guide to the side of
the box assembly per Figure 3-7 or Figure 3-8
Final Connection
1. Assemble the blower tube per Figure 3-9.
2. Remove the top two nuts and flat washers that attach the
blower housing tube to the blower housing. Slide the
blower tube hook (109716) onto these bolts and secure in
place with the nuts and flat washers. Figure 3-4
3. Slide the lower tube onto the blower housing tube. Figure
3-4
4. Adjust the length of the blower tube assembly until the
top tube flange can slide into the box assembly’s inlet
mount. Secure in place with the chute guide (111904).
Tighten chute guide hardware. Figure 3-6
Figure 3-5
111782_09103-3
111904
Top tube
flange
Figure 3-6
3-4111782_0910
929430 – 60” Deck
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
2
8
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
20
21
22
23
25
27
23
28
29
19
19
18
19
24
20
EXISTING
HARDWARE
EXISTING
HARDWARE
EXISTING
HARDWARE
26
43
Figure 3-7
111782_09103-5
929448 – 72” Deck
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
2
8
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
20
21
22
23
25
26
23
27
28
20
20
18
19
24
19
EXISTING
HARDWARE
EXISTING
HARDWARE
EXISTING
HARDWARE
43
Figure 3-8
3-6111782_0910
40
37
30
42
41
38
37
31
31
39
37
39
37
42
32
33
36
34
35
Transfer Tube Assembly
NOTE: Assembly is included with 929430 and 929448
111782_09103-7
Figure 3-9
929455 – Catcher
PECA1001
PECK1231
PECK0364
PECK1433
10
9
PECK0331
PECK1247
PECK0055
Box Assembly
PECA1089
PECA0578
These items included in 929430 and 929448.
111
Figure 3-10
3-8111782_0910
929455 – Catcher continued
PECK1432
PECK1215
PECB0212
PECK1432
ROPS
PECK1215
Figure 3-11
111782_09103-9
3-10111782_0910
OPERATION
Dump
handle
Catcher shown in
dumping position
Vacuum pickup and collection
Follow normal tractor and mower deck start-up and operating
procedures as described in the tractor and deck owner's manuals.
NOTE: Refer to the Accessing the engine compartment section
for more detailed information.
The blower assembly for the catcher is directly belt driven by
the right-hand deck spindle, therefore, the deck and blower
assembly will operate when the mower deck lever is engaged
into the mow position. To stop the deck and blower assembly,
place the PTO lever in the disengaged (OFF) position.
Proceed to mow in the normal manner. The tube is made of a
clear material which allows the operator to see when grass is
starting to clog the tube. When this occurs either the hopper is
full and needs dumped or the tube is clogged and needs cleaned
out.
When the box is full, move the PTO lever to the disengaged
(OFF) position. Then drive the machine to the unloading area.
It is best that the catcher box be unloaded before the blower
and tube areas become clogged. If clogging occurs, it will be
necessary to clean the blower and tube areas of all material
before starting to mow again.
WARNING: Make certain the engine is turned off, the
park brake is engaged and the ignition key is removed
from the ignition switch before cleaning the blower
and chute areas.
NOTE: If you do not hold the handle towards the mower
as you pull the handle downward, the latc h will not lock
and the box can unexpectedly release the clippings.
Figure 4-1
WARNING: Ne ver place hands or feet into the blower
housing spout. There is an impeller located inside the
housing that will cause severe injury. Use a probe to
clean debris from spout.
WARNING: Never engage mower deck unless the
catcher box is installed and the door is closed. Also,
the transfer tube assembly must be in place on the
blower outlet and the box assembly and the bungee
cord is connected. Figure 3-4 and Figure 3-5
Unloading
WARNING: Make certain the PTO lever is in the dis-
engaged (OFF) position before unloading.
Use the following procedure to operate the dumping
mechanism:
1. Park the unit on a level surface, shut the engine off and
place the park brake lever in the park brake position.
2. Pull the dump handle towards the operator’s seat. While
holding the handle, move the handle upward. The catcher
box door will swing upward and the box will rotate
downward. The box will dump it’s contents.
3. Once the box is empty, return the box to the catching
position. With the handle in the “open” position, pull the
handle downward until it stops. Move the handle to the
“closed” position. Figure 4-3 and Figure 4-4
111782_09104-1
Figure 4-2
Figure 4-3
Dump handle shown
in closed position
Dump handle shown
in open position
Pivot handle
Catcher box
and frame
Dump handle
Figure 4-4
Accessing the engine compartment
Use the following procedure to access the engine
compartment:
1. Park the unit on a level surface, shut the engine off and
place the park brake lever in the park brake position.
2. Loosen the pivot handle on each side. Figure 4-5
3. Keeping the dump handle in the closed position (Figure
4-3), lift up on the dump handle and rotate the complet
catcher box and frame back until the assembly comes to a
stop. Be sure to maintain a secure gri p on the handle and
slowly rotate the assembly back. Figure 4-6
4. Unhook the engine compartment latch. Figure 4-7
5. Using the lift handles on the side of the hood, slowly lift
and rotate the hood back to access the engine
compartment.
6. Using the lift handles on the engine compartment hood,
slowly raise and pivot the catcher and hood back. Figure
4-8
IMPORTANT: When raising or lowering the hood maintain a firm hold on the lift handle. Allowing the hoo d to
make hard contact with the catcher frame may cause
damage to the hood.
Figure 4-5
Figure 4-6
4-2111782_0910
Figure 4-7
Hood latch
Hood
Lift handle
Figure 4-8
111782_09104-3
MAINTENANCE
Blower
assembly
Tube assembly
Belt
Spring
Blower housing and transfer tube
WARNING: Never work on the blower assembly or
mower deck when the tractor engine is running.
WARNING: Clean flammable material from machine.
Prevent fires by keeping engine compartment, top of
deck, exhaust area, battery, hydraulic lin es, fuel line,
fuel tank and operator’s station clean of accumulated
trash, grass clippings, and other debris. Always clean
up spilled fuel and oil.
The blower and tube assembly (Figure 5-1) should be kept
clean and free of any accumulation of matted clippings or other
obstructions. Occasional clogging may also occur when
working in heavy, wet or matted grass.
WARNING: Never place hands or feet into the blower
housing spout. There is an impeller located inside the
housing that will cause severe injury. Use a probe to
clean debris from spout.
WARNING: Never engage mower deck unless the
catcher box is installed and the door is closed. Also,
the transfer tube assembly must be in place on the
blower outlet and the box assembly and the bungee
cord is connected.
To service the blower housing: remove the clevis pin and
swing the housing away from the deck.
To service the transfer tubes, remove the tube assembly from
the unit. The tube assembly can be cleaned by using soapy
water and washing the inside of the tubes with a pressure
washer. Rinse with water.
To clean the catcher box, use a power washer.
Blower drive belt
The blower drive belt (Figure 5-2) is located under the belt
shield. This belt is spring tensioned and should not need
adjustment. When replacing the belt the spring extension
should be 6” hook to hook.
To inspect or replace, remove the clevis pin and swing the
housing open. This loosens the belt and allows it to be
removed.
When belt replacement becomes necessary, check the
condition of the pulleys. Clean the grooves and check for
excessive wear . A new belt should not run against the bottom of
groove. If it does bottom out, the the pulley needs replacing.
Figure 5-1
Figure 5-2
Blower spindle jack shaft
The blower spindle jack shaft assembly requires lubrication
after every 500 hours of use or annually, whichever occurs first.
The spindle is equipped with two grease zerks (Figure 5-3).
They are accessible by unlatching the blower housing from the
deck and pivoting it outward. Use SAE multi-purpose grease,
fill until grease flows from side of zerk (one or two ounces
maximum).
111782_09105-1
Figure 5-3
Grease zerk
5-2111782_0910
STORAGE
When your mower is to set idle for a period of time, scrape
and remove the matted grass material from inside the catcher
box. Clean the discharge area in the blower assembly
likewise. A light coating of oil applied to these surfaces will
help retard rusting.
Check for loose or missing hardware, tighten or replace.
Also check for badly worn or damaged parts, consider
replacing them at this time. Touch up chipped paint areas,
your Hustler dealer has aerosol spray paint available.
1PECC00411BOX TOP
2PECC00391SCREEN SUPPORT
3PECB80011SCREEN
4PECC00431BOX RIGHT SIDE
5PECC00451BOX BACK
6PECC11841FILL GAUGE
7PECC00441BOX LEFT SIDE
8PECC00421BOX BOTTOM
9PECA03311BOX OPENING FRAME
10PECK14352ADJUSTING SCREW
11PECK14222ADJUSTING NUT
12PECB15962DOOR LINKAGE
13PECK14182LINKAGE PIN
14PECK14374RUE_RING COTTER PIN
15PECV11541PLASTIC DOOR
16PECB18341UPPER DOOR MEMBER
17PECA03301DOOR FRAME ASSEMBLY
186022101DECAL SERIAL NUMBER
NOTES:
_09107-3
Peco Catcher
19
20
21
25
23
24
26
28
29
Hopper
22
30
31
32
27
7-4 _0910
Peco Catcher
INDEX NO. PART NO.QTY.DESCRIPTION
19PECB18331BOX BASE FRAME
20PECB00071HANDLE MOUNT
21PECJ05521HANDLE GRIP
22PECA03291HANDLE ASSEMBLY
23PECB00061HANDLE SLIDE BRACKET
24PECB18351PIVOT PLATE
25PECB18322PIVOT BRACKETS
26PECB18401LATCH ROD
27PECJ02551LATCH SPRING
28PECJ023413/8" BALL JOINT
29PECB18041LATCH HOOK
30PECK141013/8" NUT
31PECS01551PIVOT BUSHING
32PECB18051LATCH HOOK PIVOT PLATE
NOTES:
_09107-5
Peco Catcher
33
34
38
37
39
36
40
35
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
7-6 _0910
Peco Catcher
INDEX NO. PART NO.QTY.DESCRIPTION
33PECK143223/8"-16 U-BOLT
34PECB02121FRAME SUPPORT BRACE
35PECK121543/8"-16 FLANGE NUT
36PECA05791BOX SUPPORT FRAME
37PECK008825/32" X 2-5/8" HAIR PIN
38PECK005825/8" FLAT WASHER
39PECK123121/2"-13" X 1" HHGS
40PECK14374RUE_RING COTTER PIN
41PECK01722CLEVIS PIN
42PECA05781REAR SUPPORT FRAME
43PECK124741/2"-13 N YLOC NUT
44PECK005541/2" FLAT WASHER
45PECK143323/4"-10 N YLOC NUT
46PECK036423/4"-10 X 1-1/2" HHCS
47PECA10012PIVOT HANDLEVR
NOTES:
_09107-7
Blower Assembly (544510)
1
1
10
9
3
1
2
15
35
36
11
10
26
2
27
20
11
28
3
2
1
16
19
17
30
25
24
22
29
22
32
31
23
33
34
1
3
2
4
12
2
13
14
5
6
16
7
6
8
11
19
20
21
22
22
23
17
24
25
1
2
3
4
18
7-8 _0910
Blower Assembly (544510)
INDEX
NO.
PART NO.QTY.DESCRIPTION
10783784CS .50-20 X 1.50 HX G5 ZN
201704612LW .50 MEDIUM SPRING ZN
30783864FW .510 X 1.750 X .180 ZN
43012672DRIVE PULLEY
53243271BLOWER TOP
60771232BEARING W/O COLLAR
70225821CAST SPINDLE HOUSING
87585651IMPELLER 11”
97587301JACK SHAFT
102124724KEY
110457655FW 1.030 X 1.50 X .134 ZN
127051944CS .50-13 X .750 HX G5 ZN
130342726NT .312-18 HX G5 ZN
147685236FW .343 X .687 X .051/.080 HD ZN
153243191BLOWER HOUSING
160742522CS .50-13 X 1.50 HX G5 ZN
172635172BEARING DISK
183243431UPPER IDLER ARM
190687596CW .560 X 1.340 X .050 PN
200233172NT .50-13 UNT LK G5 ZN
217051781CS .375-16 X 1.750 HX G5 ZN
227679547FW .406 X .812 X .060 SAE HRD ZN
230227722FLAT IDLER PULLEY
240363842SPRING 1/4 COIL PL 1.23
252598122DECK LIFT SPRING CHAIN
265206271SPINDLE HOUSING ASSEMBLY
270165274CS .50-13 X 1.00 HX G5 ZN
283013171PULLEY
293242931LOWER IDLER ARM
307057311CS .375-16 X 2.750 G5 ZN
313243501IDLER SPACER
320545021NT .375-16 HX G5 ZN
330791946MS .25-20 X .750 TH CR ZN
343243351BLOWER INLET
357685156FW .281 X .625 X .051/.080 HD ZN
360249276NT .25-20 HX G5 ZN
NOTES:
1. Assemble bearings in spindle housing with extended race to the inside.